thirsty

My 20 month old little boy is always thirsty and goes through a box of diapers (72) in about a week and a half.  My sister-in-law watched him one day and thought that maybe he was drinking a lot because he was playing outside and it was very hot.  My little boy drinks more liquids than anyone I have ever met.  He is always thirsty and never seems to get enough.  His out put however is also a concern.  Even though he does drink a lot it seems he urinates so much more.  We put a fresh diaper on him when he goes to bed at 9pm by 6am it is so full that he gets himself and the bed wet.  Most of the time the diaper is so full that the filling is all over him and the bed.  I am not sure what is going on and since I am a new mom I was wondering if anyone has any input.

[felinaboricua21]

First 9 hours of sleeping without a dipper change is too long unless he's potty trained. Drinking water is really good since milk and juice can make him really thirsty. If you are so worry you should go to the Dr. to get a blood test since one of the symptoms of diabetes is thirst. Most likely he is fine. My son loves water and has been drinking bottles of water all day long since he was a baby.

[momoftwo74]

You are right to be concerned. Talk to your son's pediatrician right away. Especially since you say that his urine output is excessive. Your pediatrican will probably check for diabetes. Thirst and polyuria (excessive urine output) is one of the first signs of high blood sugar. There are metabolic and other disorders involving the kidneys that cause them to "dump" which means they arent working properly. Most of the time a child that young will not drink obsessively unless something is going on with his body. It may be something minor but you should take him to his pediatrician for some routine and simple tests.

MM